Natural Ingredients for Fungal Acne, Proved by Science

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Fungal acne, also known as pityrosporum folliculitis, is a type of acne caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin.

While there are several natural ingredients that may help to treat fungal acne, it is important to note that some ingredients may work better for some individuals than others (you can learn more about fungal acne here).

List of Natural Ingredients for Fungal Acne

Here are some proven natural ingredients for fungal acne:

1. Tea Tree Oil1

Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an effective natural remedy for fungal acne. It can help to reduce inflammation and redness while also killing the fungus causing the acne.

Here is the research that shows that tea tree oil is active against all Malassezia species.

How to use tea tree oil for fungal acne

  1. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, in a small bowl. Diluting tea tree oil is important because it is a potent essential oil that can be too harsh on the skin if applied undiluted.
  2. Cleanse your skin: Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt or makeup. Pat dry with a clean towel.
  3. Apply the mixture to the affected area: Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to the affected area. Be sure to cover the entire affected area, but avoid applying the mixture to unaffected skin.
  4. Leave it on for a few minutes: Leave the mixture on your skin for 10-15 minutes. This allows the tea tree oil to penetrate the skin and kill the fungus causing the acne.
  5. Rinse off with water: After 10-15 minutes, rinse off the mixture with water and pat your skin dry.
  6. Repeat once or twice a day: Repeat this treatment once or twice a day, depending on the severity of your fungal acne. Overuse of tea tree oil can dry out your skin, so it’s important to use it in moderation.

It’s important to patch-test the tea tree oil mixture on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face, as some people may be allergic or sensitive to tea tree oil. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use immediately and consult with a dermatologist.

Use tea tree oil as a spot treatment: Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil, so it’s important to use it as a spot treatment on the affected areas only. Avoid applying tea tree oil to unaffected skin to prevent dryness or irritation.

Apple Cider Vinegar2

Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help to kill the fungus causing the acne. It also has exfoliating properties that can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Here’s the research that shows the antibacterial and antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar against E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans.

How to use apple cider vinegar for fungal acne

Here’s how to use apple cider vinegar for fungal acne:

  1. Dilute apple cider vinegar: Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a small bowl. Diluting apple cider vinegar is important because it is acidic and can be too strong for the skin if applied undiluted.
  2. Cleanse your skin: Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
  3. Apply the mixture to the affected area: Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into the diluted apple cider vinegar mixture and apply it to the affected area. Be sure to cover the entire affected area, but avoid applying the mixture to unaffected skin.
  4. Leave it on for a few minutes: Leave the mixture on your skin for 5-10 minutes. This allows the apple cider vinegar to penetrate the skin and kill the fungus causing the acne.
  5. Rinse off with water: After 5-10 minutes, rinse off the mixture with water and pat your skin dry.
  6. Moisturize: Apply a natural, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent dryness. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber.
  7. Use apple cider vinegar once a day: Repeat this treatment once a day for several days until you see improvement. Overuse of apple cider vinegar can dry out your skin, so it’s important to use it in moderation.

It’s important to note that while apple cider vinegar can be effective in treating fungal acne, it may not work for everyone. If your fungal acne is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

Aloe vera3

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and inflammation caused by fungal acne. It also has moisturizing properties that can help to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness.

Here is the research that proves the anti-microbial effect of Aloe vera extract on clotrimazole-resistant Malassezia Furfur strains isolated From patients with seborrheic dermatitis. Malassezia furfur is an anthropophilic fungus (source).

How to use Aloe vera for fungal acne

Here’s how to use aloe vera for fungal acne:

  1. Cleanse your skin: Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Apply aloe vera gel: Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel, making sure to remove the yellow sap by leaving the leaf upright in a container with water for at least 12 hours. Alternatively, purchase an organic aloe vera gel. Apply the gel to the affected area using a cotton swab or your fingertips. Be sure to cover the entire affected area.
  3. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes: Leave the aloe vera gel on your skin for 10-15 minutes. This allows the aloe vera to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation and redness caused by fungal acne.
  4. Rinse off with water (optional): After 10-15 minutes, rinse off the aloe vera gel with water and pat your skin dry or leave without rinsing off, that’s totally fine.
  5. Moisturize: Apply a natural, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent dryness. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber.
  6. Use aloe vera once or twice a day: Repeat this treatment once or twice a day for several days until you see improvement.

Aloe vera can be effective when it comes to treating fungal acne but you always need to patch-test first and also remember that it might not work for everyone. If your fungal acne is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

Turmeric4

Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and kill the fungus causing the acne. It can also help to improve skin texture and tone.

Here’s the research that proves how turmeric can be effective against Malassezia furfuf.

How to use turmeric for fungal acne

Here’s how to use turmeric for fungal acne:

  1. Cleanse your skin: Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Mix turmeric with water or aloe vera gel: In a small bowl, mix turmeric powder with water or aloe vera gel to create a paste. The consistency should be thick enough to spread easily but not too runny.
  3. Apply the turmeric paste: Apply the turmeric paste to the affected area using your fingertips. Be sure to cover the entire affected area, but avoid applying the paste to unaffected skin.
  4. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes: Leave the turmeric paste on your skin for 10-15 minutes. This allows the turmeric to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation and redness caused by fungal acne.
  5. Rinse off with water: After 10-15 minutes, rinse off the turmeric paste with water and pat your skin dry.
  6. Moisturize: Apply a natural, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent dryness. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber.
  7. Use turmeric once or twice a week: Repeat this treatment once or twice a week for several weeks until you see improvement. Overuse of turmeric can stain your skin, so it’s important to use it in moderation.

AMOUNT OF TURMERIC POWDER TO MIX: The amount of turmeric powder you mix with aloe vera can vary depending on your skin type and sensitivity. As a general guideline, you can mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel to create a paste.

NOTE: If you have sensitive skin, you may want to use less turmeric powder or dilute the mixture with more aloe vera gel or water.

Turmeric has a bright yellow color that can stain your skin, so it’s important to apply the mixture evenly and avoid leaving it on for too long.

Before using the mixture, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivity. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use immediately and consult with a dermatologist.

Turmeric can also be combined with other natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil for added benefits.

It’s important to note that while turmeric can be effective in treating fungal acne, it may not work for everyone. If your fungal acne is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

Garlic5

Garlic has natural antifungal properties that can help to kill the fungus causing the acne.

Here is the research that shows that garlic extract can potentially be effective on fungal infection.

How to use garlic for fungal acne

Here’s how to use garlic for fungal acne:

  1. Cleanse your skin: Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Crush a few organic garlic cloves: Peel a few organic garlic cloves and crush them using a garlic press or a mortar and pestle. Crushed garlic releases a compound called allicin, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
  3. Apply the garlic paste: Apply the garlic paste to the affected area using a cotton swab or your fingertips. Be sure to cover the entire affected area, but avoid applying the paste to unaffected skin.
  4. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes: Leave the garlic paste on your skin for 10-15 minutes. This allows the allicin in the garlic to penetrate the skin and kill the fungus causing the acne.
  5. Rinse off with water: After 10-15 minutes, rinse off the garlic paste with water and pat your skin dry.
  6. Moisturize: Apply a natural, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent dryness. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber.
  7. Use garlic once or twice a week: Repeat this treatment once or twice a week for several weeks until you see improvement. Overuse of garlic can cause irritation or burns, so it’s important to use it in moderation.

It is important to buy organic garlic, free of pesticides.

NOTES: While garlic can be effective in treating fungal acne, it may not work for everyone. Garlic can also cause skin irritation, so it’s important to patch-test it on a small area of your skin before applying it to your face. If your fungal acne is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

How efficient are these natural ingredients?

Garlic, turmeric, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar are natural ingredients that have been traditionally used to treat various skin conditions, including fungal acne.

While there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of these ingredients for treating fungal acne, the links provided will help the reader evaluate their effectiveness. Also, many people have reported success with using these natural remedies.

Garlic contains allicin, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and can be effective in killing the fungus causing the acne. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and can help reduce inflammation and redness caused by fungal acne. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and can help soothe and heal acne-prone skin. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can be effective in killing the fungus causing the acne. Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can help rebalance the pH level of the skin.

Example of a natural skincare routine for fungal acne using the above natural ingredients

Please note that this is just a suggested routine, and individual results may vary. Always patch test each ingredient and consult with a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.

Morning routine

  1. Cleanser: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and excess oil.
  2. Toner: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water. Apply the diluted solution onto a cotton pad and gently wipe it across your face, avoiding the eye area. This will help balance your skin’s pH and remove any remaining impurities.
  3. Aloe Vera Gel: Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel onto your face, focusing on areas with fungal acne.
  4. Moisturizer: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. You can also use squalane oil if desired.

Evening routine

  1. Cleanser: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil.
  2. Turmeric and Garlic Spot Treatment: Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply the mixture to affected areas as a spot treatment. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off. Be cautious as this mixture can stain and may cause irritation for some skin types.
  3. Tea Tree Oil: Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in squalane oil (use a ratio of about 1:10). Apply the mixture to the affected areas using a cotton swab.
  4. Aloe Vera Gel: Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel onto your face, focusing on areas with fungal acne.
  5. Moisturizer: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.

Remember to use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, especially when using ingredients that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar). Adjust the routine as needed, based on your skin’s tolerance and reaction to the ingredients.

When should you expect results?

The duration and effectiveness of this routine can vary depending on:
1) the individual’s skin type,
2) the severity of the fungal acne,
3) and how well their skin responds to the ingredients.

In general, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to see significant improvements.

Consistency is key in achieving the desired results.

It’s important to monitor your skin’s reaction to the routine and adjust it as needed. If your skin becomes irritated or if the fungal acne worsens, discontinue the use of any ingredient that may be causing the issue and consult with a dermatologist.

Once the fungal acne has significantly improved or cleared up, you can gradually decrease the frequency of using the anti-fungal ingredients in the routine.

However, it’s still essential to maintain a consistent skincare regimen that focuses on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection to prevent fungal acne from recurring.

Last words

Keep in mind that every individual’s skin is different, and results may vary. If you don’t see any improvement after consistently following the routine for a few months or if your condition worsens, it’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist for a more personalized treatment plan.

References

  1. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. In Vitro Activities of Ketoconazole, Econazole, Miconazole, and Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil against Malassezia Species. Antimicrob Agents Chemother [Internet]. 2000 [cited 2023 Apr 22]; 44(2):467–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC89709/.
  2. Yagnik D, Serafin V, J. Shah A. Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Sci Rep [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2023 Apr 22]; 8:1732. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/.
  3. Schmidt A. Malassezia furfur: a fungus belonging to the physiological skin flora and its relevance in skin disorders. Cutis. 1997; 59(1):21–4.
  4. Laokor N, Juntachai W. Exploring the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of Zingiberaceae rhizome extracts against Malassezia furfur. Journal of Ethnopharmacology [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Apr 22]; 279:114354. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874121005833.
  5. Pazyar N, Feily A. Garlic in dermatology. Dermatol Reports [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2023 Apr 22]; 3(1):e4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4211483/.

Patri Hernandez, CHC, Certified Health Coach & Certified Organic Skincare Alchemist
One day, during my menopausal rollercoaster, I had a spiritual awakening that connected me so deeply with nature, I thought I might sprout leaves. Suddenly, natural ingredients became my obsession—like an addiction, really. My body was magnetically drawn to them, and it wasn’t long before I found myself knee-deep in essential oils, herbs, and all things organic.

From there, it was a slippery slope (a delightfully scented one) into organic skincare formulation. The intoxicating aroma of essential oils, the thrill of crafting something pure with my own hands—I was hooked. It wasn’t enough to just use these natural wonders; I had to create them, surround myself with them. Now, I live on a piece of land where I grow my own organic fruits and vegetables (when the weather isn’t playing tricks on me), and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When people ask what I do, I like to think about the view from my window—the endless sea—and say, “I live the life dreamers dream of.” It's All about the richness of living in harmony with nature. Watching others turn to natural ingredients because of something I shared with them—that’s my proudest achievement.

Oh, and just to keep things interesting, I’m also a bit of a nerd. I love computers, software, and all the techy stuff that seems like it wouldn’t fit with my earth-loving, oil-sniffing lifestyle. But hey, who says you can’t have the best of both worlds?

My ultimate goal? To help people kick the commercial product habit and embrace the natural, the organic, the truly nourishing. Life’s too short to settle for anything less.

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